My steering was feeling a bit crunchy at the weekend and the headset was loose. Gave it a quick tighten up then opened it up properly this morning. I’ve discovered the bearings have completely failed. Covered in rust, no grease and they had fallen apart (inner race had came away completely on both the upper and lower bearings)

The bike was brand new in December and I’ve only done 150 miles. The bike hasn’t been pressure washed so I can only assume it’s had no grease in the cups straight from the factory plus cheap crappy bearings. I imagine it came with the forks already fitted so unlikely the shop would have checked the headset bearings.

It’s an integrated headset so no cups. It’s my first time with that design and on inspection the sealing seems very poor and the bearings seem to be way more exposed to the elements. In particular, the bearings have an open groove between the upper and lower race where you can see the ball bearings inside. Seems like a really easy way for water to get inside.

I’ve ordered replacement bearings as I’ve got a race this weekend but does anyone have a recommendation for a good quality tapered integrated headset? Hope don’t seem to do one so any other decent brands out there?